Welcome to the SGMRG Website

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South Gloucestershire has a rich and varied mining history. The date of earliest mining in the area is now lost in antiquity, but coal was worked in this area up until 1963. Other forms of open-cast mining continued later still.  The remains of mining cover a vast area, which includes Bedminster, Bitton, Brislington, Bristol (Central), Bristol (South), Coalpit Heath, Cromhall, Downend, Easton, Frampton Cotterell, Hanham, Keynsham, Kingswood, Mangotsfield, Oldland Common, Pucklechurch, Rangeworthy, Siston, Stapleton, Troopers Hill, Warmley, Westerleigh, and Yate.  Most of the mining was for coal, but ochre, celestine, iron, lead and stone were also mined in the area.

The South Gloucestershire Mines Research Group (SGMRG) was set up by local people to understand, record and, where appropriate, preserve the remains of what was once an extensive industry for the present community and future generations. SGMRG is a voluntary organisation that relies on grants and donations from local people. Our membership is made up of archaeologists, surveyors, historians, engineers, cavers and those simply interested in finding more about what lies under their feet. We have regular meetings, walks and talks, including the opportunity to get involved in exploration, archaeology and restoration work. 

If you would like to join us, please visit our Membership page for further information.

Contact details of SGMRG key contacts can be found on our Contact Us page.

The SGMRG have made efforts to trace the ownership and gain the approval of those with rights to images or documents on this site.  If you are the holder, for instance, of copyright on an item and we have been unable to trace you, please contact the Chairman so that you may be acknowledged and/or remedial action taken.

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SGMRG are Members of the following organisations:

 
NAMHO   ALHA